Day 1 in Minnesota (Sunday) Finally in Minneapolis. It’s been a long day but happy to be here! Flight was smooth. Airport security was a breeze this time –which usually is very problematic for me. I have a 6-0 record in the past 3 years with getting pulled aside for airport officials to search, wand and pat down. I’ve got in the habit of allowing myself, and those that I travel with, even more time before departure (than what is recommended) for this seemingly inevitable, random search. I have to admit that with all the controversy surrounding the most recent search methods, I became a little uncomfortable with the thought that I would be among those that the TSA required to x-ray or touch in unmentionable areas– a disconcerting thought; and I wasn’t going to have any part of it! Thankfully, that wasn’t the case this time around – finally broke the record. LOL
Early this morning as I met up with Rich, he and Carla exchanged their standard, comfortable greeting mixed with laughter and sarcasm. As she waved us off, imploring us to “have a good time”, Rich replied “you saw The Hangover, right?? This, right here” — as he makes a circle gesture around us with his hand—“is the sequel”. LOL. As long as I don’t lose a tooth, or come home with any body piercings, I think it’s all good! With a laugh and a smile (and probably many wandering thoughts), off she went…. And off, we went.
Great camaraderie this trip. The guys I’m traveling with gel really well since we all share similar personalities and humor. Lots of joking going on but will have to filter much of it….. Good times!
Tomorrow we climb aboard Marvin Inc.’s plane and leave the city, heading north to Warroad where we’ll be touring their factory as well as Cardinal Glass (who does the manufacturing of glass for all of Marvin’s windows and doors). Here, we’ll be staying for the rest of our trip. I’ve been told that Marvin Inc. owns most –if not all- of this modest town that’s a stone’s throw from the Canadian border (brrrrr…). I’ll probably feel at home there since Hadley, MA is a small town too. Apparently Marvin Inc. employs close to all of Warroad’s residents at their factory, hotels, restaurants and remaining businesses. Quite a monopoly, “eh”? Eventually our group will get to the business at hand; but tonight it’s all fun and games –dinner, drinks and Celtics vs. Timberwolves game… can’t wait!
Gotta run— I think I hear the game buzzer 
G 
